In this article on our site we are going to give the fundamental keys to feeding horses A diet suitable for their characteristics will prevent them from our horse suffers from he alth problems. For this reason, we will review the basic components that we must take into account to provide these animals with the most adequate food possible and thus know what horses eat.
It will also be important to purchase quality equine feed products, from specialized, reputable and trustworthy companies.
General guidelines for a correct feeding of horses
When feeding horses we must take into account the following general recommendations:
- The type of food and its quantity will depend on the circumstances of each horse, since a foal will not have the same nutritional requirements than a pregnant mare, for example.
- The diet must be balanced and adapted to each horse and can be compensated with balancers in case of deficiencies, such as example to perform a specific activity. In any case, the best option is always to ask the veterinarian for advice.
- Horses are herbivores that need to eat small amounts frequently.
- They are sensitive to change, so any changes to their diet should be introduced gradually. In the same way, if the food is moldy or not in good condition, we should not supply it. We must also take precautions so that they do not ingest herbs that may be toxic to them.
- It is preferable that they always eat at the same times.
- They must have clean and fresh water at their disposal at all times.
- It is not recommended that you exercise after eating. Food stays in the stomach for about an hour and a half.
In the following section we will comment on the most frequent constituents in the diet of horses.
The best feed for horses
In the feeding of horses, in addition to the grass that they will eat if we give them the opportunity, the following elements stand out:
- Hay: It should be just right, not too dry or moldy with white spots.
- Oat: cereal with high nutritional value and rich in fat. It is quite digestible but has nutritional deficiencies.
- Barley: whole is difficult to digest, so it should be supplied treated, preferably in the form of flakes or puffs.
- Bran: is the residue that results from grinding wheat and provides fiber, but also some starch.
- Wheat and corn: both are cereals that can be given, but with caution and always treated in the form of flakes or puffed.
- Linen: Contains a lot of fat, making it suitable for low-weight horses. Improves the coat and provides omega 3 fatty acids.
- Legumes such as peas, beans or broad beans: high in energy power, they can only be offered in small quantities and are always better heat-treated.
- Piensos: presented in the form of pellets or mixtures, they are made up of various foods in different percentages, for example those mentioned above. They are, therefore, a complete option that can cover the different needs that horses will present throughout their lives. Some can be hydrated by adding hot or cold water.
- Supplements and balancers: for those occasions when our horse requires a supply of vitamins and minerals to complement its diet.
- Prizes: they cannot be excessive or unbalance the diet.
As it is not always easy to establish a adequate diet for these animals, we have a whole range of products on the market that can help us to offer them a good quality of life. In this sense, the one offered by experts in these products stands out as the best horse feed. They are specialized in the manufacture of high quality equine feed, and they also carry out studies to offer each type of horse the most suitable food for its characteristics and needs. An example of this could be Pavo Horsefood
The horse feed
Feed can play a very important role in the feeding of horses Therefore, we must look for aquality brand , which offers a range of products and horse feed suitable and specific for all types of horses, with characteristics as wide in its varieties and products as the ones we highlight:
- Natural ingredients Selected that contain the best and most adequate nutritional content.
- The presentation can be in pellets, granulated or muesli multiparticles.
- Exclusive combination of minerals for feeding Mares in gestation and lactation or foals.
- Puffed cereals in mueslis for greater digestibility.
- Pellets with regulated starch and sugar levels.
- Flax oil with omega 3 which improves the condition of the horse's coat and performance.
- Cereal analysis to know exactly their nutritional content, as this may vary with each harvest.
- Options of Varieties without oats.
- Contribution extra magnesium for horses that practice sports.
- New generation of balancers with the peculiarity that the unpleasant taste of the trace elements is released in the stomach and not in the mouth, which makes it easier for the horse to ingest it.
- Supplements to help joints, the growth of foals, the development of muscles, the recovery of hooves, to fertility, etc.
- Also option of feeding for orphan foals.
Now that you know the most important keys to feeding horses and, therefore, you know what horses eat, to establish an emotional bond with them and learn to understand them, don't miss our article on “The language of horses” and “How horses think”.
